BMW repair many occasions requires an inside knowledge and decades of experience. Knowing what are the weak spots of the BMW, comes whit knowledge and experience, hence we can prevent an expensive breakdown in the near future.
BMW 535-GT Front Propeller Shaft Failure
Here is a perfect example of a 535-GT front propeller shaft failure which is a typical issue on most BMW with accumulated kilometers on it.
This particular vehicle is maintained by its owner, we only see this vehicle when it’s broken. In this case not performing a preventative maintenance, cost almost an engine replacement, as the seized propeller shaft finally let go and punched a gigantic hole into the oil pan.
When We Service BMW 535 We Remove This Shafts
When we service BMW 535s we remove this shafts on the regular basis to check the U joint condition. In fact we even have replacement universal joint in house to repair this shafts as some of them cost some silly money from the manufacturer.
On this BMW we had a hard time to source a proper exact replacement oil pan and ditto for the front propeller shaft.
The owner got lucky, he managed to shut the engine down in a hurry, which saved his N55 engine. He said when the shaft broke he killed the engine instantly.
Either way we would not know if there is or has been any internal engine damage to the crankshaft or the bottom end bearings.
We had to come up with some clever solutions to test the engine, to be able to confirm the engine did survive the ordeal. Therefore we cleaned the broken oil pan with a de-greaser. Let it dry and remove any oily residue, applied windshield glue to the open area around the hole and glued a heavy plastic sheet over on it, and let it cure overnight .
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BMW N55 Engine Repair
Next day we removed the oil filter and filled up the channel with fresh motor oil quickly. When the engine had proper amount of oil in, we started her up instantly.
The engine run properly without any noise or sign of excessive wear. At this point we knew we can proceed with the proper repair and resurrect this vehicle to it’s former glory.
BMW N55 Engine Connecting Rod Bearings Replacement
Needless to say we will remove and replace the bottom end connecting rod bearings with new performance bearings, just in case. Additionally the new performance bearings are superior design made with improved materials compared to the genuine bearings design.
It just makes perfect sense to replace them while we have the bottom end open. It’s a simple procedure at this occasion.
Any questions, how may we help? Call us with your question.
Telephone: 905.795.0419
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